Motor attachment for boats



Sept. 19, 1950 R. J. SHARP r MOTOR ATTACHMENT FOR BOATS 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jun 24, 1946 FIG. 3

FIG.2

gjwua/wkw RENWICK .1. SHARP Sept. 19, 1950 R. J. SHARP MOTOR ATTACHMENT FOR BOATS ZSheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 24, 1946 FIG. 5

jH/UQ/YVfOT/ RENWICK J. SHARP Patented Sept. 19, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MOTOR ATTACHMENT FOR BOATS Renwick J. Sharp, Guatemala City, Guatemala Application June 24, 1946, Serial No. 678,930

12 Claims.

My'invention relates broadly to motor boats and more particularly to an arrangement of motor drive mechanism for motor boats.

One of the objects of my invention is to provide an arrangement of motor drive for motor boats which may be mounted for either outboard or inboard operation for developing maximum driving power for the operation of motor boats at relatively high speed.

Another object of my invention is to provide an arrangement of supporting means for the driving motor of a motor boat for mounting a driving motor for either outboard or inboard operation enabling maximum power to be developed.

A further object of my invention is to provide a construction of annular support for the driving motor of a motor boat by which the driving motor may be suspended in a rotatable position for either outboard or inboard operation.

Still another object of my invention is to provide a construction of orientatable propeller and propeller housing and mounting means therefor, whereby, the motor may be mounted in outboard or inboard operation for developing maximum driving power.

Other and further objects of my invention reside in an arrangement of motor mounting means for motor boats which may be selectively employed for either outboard or inboard operation in high-speed motor boats, as set forth more fully in the specification hereinafter following by reference to the accompanying drawings; in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of themotor of my invention shown mounted for inboard operation within a motor boat, the parts of which have been illustrated in section, a portion of the supporting means for the motor being broken away and illustrated in section to more clearly show the support for the motor; Fig. 2 illustrates the manner of sealing the outboard motor housing for inboard operation; Fig. 3 is a detailed sectional view illustrating the manner of supporting the outboard motor for inboard operation; Fig. 4 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 4-4; Fig. 5 is a fragmentary schematic view illustrating the manner of pickup air flow at one side of the motor boat for supplying the air to the suction system of the engine; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a bracket mounting which I employ for mounting the outboard motor at the stern of the boat; and Fig. 7 illustrates the manner of supporting the outboard motor to the stern of the boat as an alternative arrangement to the inboard style illustrated in Fig. l.

Referring to the drawings in detail, reference character I designates a motor boat having a bow portion 2 as represented in Fig. 1, and a stern portion 3 as represented in Fig. 7. The hull of the boat is apertured adjacent the bow as represented at 4 for the passage of an ovalshaped shell or drum 5. The shell or drum 5 has an externally arranged peripheral flange 6 thereon through which bolts 1 are passed for securing the shell or drum to the hull 8. The shell or drum 5 is provided with an inwardly extending flange 9 adapted to be aligned with the plane of the hull 8 when the drum or shell 5 is secured in position by means of flange 5. The flange 9 serves as a carrier or support for the base flange ill of the outboard motor housing. The base flange I0 is formed by two interfitting portions shaped to conform with the interior contour of the oval-shaped shell or drum 5. The two portions of the base flange II] are represented at H and I2 interconnected by bolts M and embrace the tubular rotatable housing l5 of the power transmission shaft of the outboard motor l6 when mounted for inboard operation.

The base flange ID has the aligned sections II and [2 thereof transversely grooved at Ila and I2a for receiving the circular flange I! which is carried by the tubular rotatable housing [5 of the power transmission shaft. The circular flange ll operating in aligned grooves Ila and I 211 serves as a seal against the entry of water through the hull of the boat. The peripheral portions of the flange sections I l and I2 are bolted to the inwardly extending flange 9 through suitable securing bolts 18. Flange ll serves as a supporting means for the outboard motor for inboard operation while permitting orientation of the outboard motor for purposes of navigating or maneuvering the boat. The housing l5 merges into the stream-lined case l9 which encloses a substantially horizontally extending propeller shaft meshing through suitable gearing with the drive shaft 20 of the engine I6 and driving propeller 2i thereby.

The housing 15 of the outboard motor has a ring gear 22 secured thereto and beveled so that pinion 23 carried by shaft member 24 may mesh therewith. The shaft member 24 is connected through steering knuckle 25 with the steering shaft 26 which is operated by steering wheel 21 from the steering position in the boat as represented at 28.

The shell or drum 5 forms substantially a well in the bow of the boat through which the outboard motor is mounted for inboard operation. The outboard motor when arranged for in.

board operation is free to be revolved through 360 for steering a boat through the ring gear 22 of beveled pinion 23, shaft member 2%, steering knuckle 25 and shaft 25 under control of steering wheel 2'1. Inasmuch as the motor i5 is of the internal combustion engine type, provision must be made for delivery of exhaust gases from the engine. l accomplish this in a very special manner. The shaft carries the cylinder exhaust manifold 29 on flange 38 secured to shaft housing 15, as represented at 3!. The exhaust manifold 29 encloses a coil spring member 32 which at one end bears against the circular flange 3i] and at the other end bears against the annual sealing ring 33. The annular sealing ring 33 closes the peripheral gap between the disc 3% fastened tothe rotatable shaft housing i5 and the inner annular peripherial face of the manifold 33 as shown. The exhaust connection from the motor it is represented at 35. passing from the motor l6 through disc 3t and into the exhaust chamber formed within the exhaust manifold 28.. A connection 3 5 extends from the exhaust manifold 29 through an elbow 3'? and pipe extension 33 and through a four-way connection joint or coupling 35%. The four-way connection joint or coupling 39 connects through a pipe member Ml to an orifice terminating beneath the hull of the boat. The four-way connection joint or coupling 3-9 also connects to a piping member ll terminating in anorifice directly adjacent and facing the propeller 2i and operating to receive pressure therefrom. The four- .vay connection joint or coupling 39 also connects through elbow 12 with the ipe member d3 which extends through the hull of the boat and connects to an air intake fitting Ml located externally of the hull 2 and operating to direct air through the pipe system for discharge at the position t5 beneath the hull under the conjoint suction pressure created by the exhaust from the motor discharged through pipe 38 of the pressure head established by the propeller 2! through the pipe it. The pressure which is created beneath the hull 2 in the position 65 results in the establishment of a large area of air bubbles represented at 46 incident. to the air pressure which is created beneath the hull. This causes a carpet of bubbles to slip by under the hull tending to raise the hull at the rear. This in effect greases the hull for high speed operation through the water. The bow is kept down where it belongs while the stern is somewhat elevated out of the water.

When it is desired to utilize the outboard motor it for normal operation in the stern of the boat, I make use of a bracket support M as shown in Figs. 6 and 7. The bracket support ll comprises av pair of substantially horizontally extending rodlike portions 38 and 419 interconnected through intermediate bar 56 provided with fastening means 5! and 52 thereon. The fastening means 5| and 52 are secured to the stern of the boat 3. The rod-like members -18 and d9 serve as supports along which the transverse bracket 53 is adjustable. The transverse bracket 53 is formed by two complementary members 54 and 55, each forming a semicircular-frame at 54a and 5512 which conjointly embrace the rotatable shaft housing E5 of the motor it. The curved portions 5% and 5511 are each provided with a grooved recess 5% and 55?) therein which embracethe sealing ring l'i on the rotatable shaft housing l5 and ser vi as a balancing or journaling means for the rotatable shaft housing, when the motor is mounted for outboard operation. In order to adjust the spacial relation of the outboard motor with respect to the stern of the boat 3, I provide bifurcated members 48a and 69a which embrace the opposite ends of the complementary members 5% and 55 and slide along the rods 18 and 49. Apertures are provided in the bifurcated members Mia and its and the complementary members 54 and 55 to permit the complementary members to be adjusted over rods #8 and all to the desired position. Securing screws 53b and 4% pass through bifurcated members 48a and 49a and serve to clamp the transverse bracket in the desired spacial position with respect to the stern of the boat 3.

The upper portion of the rotatable shaft housing l5 passes through the exhaust manifold 29 as heretofore explained in connection with Fig. 3. The disc 3% serves as a steadying and journaling means for the rotatable shaft housing it"; within the exhaust manifold 29. The exhaust manifold 29 has a clamp 5% connected with one side thereof and terminating in a hook-shaped portion 5'! adapted to embrace the rear ofthe stern of the boat. A screw member 58 passes through the hook-shaped portion 5'? and is adapted to grip the rear of the stern of the boat for mounting the outboard motor in place. It will be observed that the exhaust manifold 29 is formed in two semi circular portions which are clamped at diametrically opposite sides by bolt members represented by bolt 59 extending through aligned lug members 29a and 281). When the outboard motor is installed for inboard operation as represented in Fig. 1, the securing bolts 53 are passed through the ends of upstanding lugs 60 located in diametrically opposite positions onthe upper extremity of the shell or drum 5. The exhaust from'the manifold Ed is shown at 35. The exhaust connection from the engine it to the exhaust manifold 29 is shown at 35. The engine it may be orientated by the tiller represented at 64-.

The hood 62 of the boat is provided with a ventilator 63 for circulation of cool air around the motor it when the outboard motor is arranged for inboard operation. The orientatable propeller 25 is protected by a metallic frame structure 66, which is secured beneath the hull of. the boat as shown.

By utilizing the outboard motor in the location of the well near the bow of the boat, substantial reduction in friction of the hull of the boat through the Water is effected.

When the outboard-motor is used in inboard style, th sealing ring [1 shown in Fig. 2 serves as a combination bearing and stuffing box. This same ring ll serves" as a hearing when the outboard motor is used in outboard style, although the stuifing box. features are not employed in this latter ar angement. Whether used in inboard or outboard arrangement, the propeller may be orientated through the entire 360 while exhaust gases from the engine it are continuously discharged into the exhaust'manifold 29 independently of the position of the engine. The arrangement of the exhaust manifold 2d permits the motor to be anguiarly shifted and yet the exhaust outlet remains stationary. This is accomplished by the plate 36 sliding against the lower flange of the. exhaust manifold 2e andthe disc 34 sliding against the annular ring 33 which in turn bears against the upper inturned flange of housing 29 and wherein spring member 32 is disposed between flange 36] and ring member 33.

It is entirely possible with the arrangement of; my lnvention to employ two motors, one in outboard arrangement and the other in inboard arrangement. The outboard motor may be fixed in position for propulsion purposes while the inboard motor is revolvable to 360 for greater propulsion and maneuverability. Both motors may be controlled from one position by extending the controls from the outboard motor to the steering position for the inboard motor.

It is observed that I have illustrated wing nut devices at i8, 58b, 49b, and 58 for facilitating ready manual attachment or detachment of the outboard motor for operation either in outboard or inboard arrangement.

.The motor 16 which has been illustrated is the conventional gasoline type. The motor unit includes the associated generator, fuel feed tank, pulling cord starting mechanism, ignition system, and all appurtenances built into the unit and supportable from the exhaust manifold 29. The mounting of the unit is such that the driven shaft Bil operated by the motor extends through the rotatable housing is which is free to revolve carrying the stream-lined casing l 9 and propeller 2i therewith. The orientation of the rotatable tubular housing i5 is effected independently of the continued driving torque which is applied to the driven shaft 2s for driving propeller 2!. This same arrangement is employed whether the motor is used in outboard or inboard arrangement.

While I have described my invention in certain preferred embodiments, I realize that modifications may be made, and I desire that it be understood that no limitations upon my invention are intended other than may be imposed by the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is as follows:

1. In a motor boat, a hull structure, a driving engine, a substantially vertically dependable shaft driven by said engine, a rotatable tubular housing surrounding said shaft and terminating in a stream-lined casing, a propeller driven by said shaft and projecting from said stream-lined casing, a circular exhaust manifold disposed in a horizontal plane and surrounding said rotatable tubular housing, a clamp projecting from said hull structure and connected to one side of said manifold and means embracing said rotatable housing and extending in rotatable sliding relation to said exhaust manifold for supporting said engine through said manifold and housing.

2. In a motor boat, a hull structure, a motor unit having a downwardly depending driven shaft, propulsion means operated by said driven shaft, a housing for said driven shaft, a pair of spaced parallel plates carried by said shaft, an annular channel-shaped member having coextensive parallel upper and lower flanges surrounding said shaft, means for mounting said member on said hull structure, one of said plates engaging the innner surface of the lower flange and the upper flange extending coplanar with said other plate, an annular sealing ring overlapping the joint between said upper flange and said last mentioned plate, spring means disposed between said sealing ring and said first mentioned plate whereby said housing is orientatable with respect to said annular channel-shaped member, an exhaust connection from said motor unit extending through said first mentioned plate and a discharge con nection extending from said annular channelshaped member and means extending from said hull structure for supporting said housing concentrically within said channel-shaped member in a position free for orientation through sub-- stantially 360 within said channel-shaped member.

3. In a motor boat, a hull structure, supporting means extending from said hull structure, a motor unit including a substantiall vertically dependin shaft housing, a driven shaft and propulsion mechanism operated thereby, a cylindrical exhaust chamber concentricall surrounding said shaft housing and supported from said hull structure, said chamber being formed by composite overlapping closure portions one of said portions being fixed with respect to said hull structure and the other of said portions being fixed with respect to said shaft housing, means for maintaining a gas-tight seal between said portions, an exhaust connection from said motor unit extending through said last mentioned portion and a discharge connection extending from said first mentioned portion and means for suspending said shaft housing from said supporting means for orientation of said shaft housing axially with relation to said exhaust chamber through substantially 360.

4. In a motor boat, a hull structure, a substantially horizontally extending circular exhaust manifold a bracket connected with the periphery of said manifold and removably connected to said hull structure, a supplemental support carried by said hull structure in spaced relation to said exhaust manifold, a motor unit including a substantially vertically disposed rotatable housing extending through the exhaust manifold and through said spaced supplemental support, means for maintaining a gas-tight seal between said rotatable housing and said exhaust manifold and a motor driven shaft disposed within said housing for operation of propulsion mechanism, said housing being selectively orientatable within said exhaust manifold and within spaced support.

5. In a motor boat a hull structure, a support carried by said hull structure including an annular grooved portion disposed in a substantial- 1y horizontal plane, a motor unit including a rotatable shaft housing having an annular flange thereon rotatabl journaled in the said grooved portion of said support, an annular manifold arranged in a substantially horizontal plane and surrounding said rotatable shaft housing, means for supplying said manifold from said hull structure, and means for journaling said rotatable shaft housing with respect to said manifold for orientation in a horizontal plane.

6. In a motor boat, a hull structure, motor supporting means carried by said hull structure including a grooved rin support and a circular ex haust manifold spaced therefrom in a substantially horizontal plane, a motor unit including an engine, a rotatable shaft housing, a driven shaft within said housing depending from said unit concentrically within said circular exhaust manifold,- propulsion means operated by said shaft, and means for rotatably journaling said rotatable shaft housing within said grooved ring support and within said exhaust manifold.

7. A motor boat comprising a hull structure, a circular exhaust manifold supportable on said structure in a substantially horizontal plane, a motor unit including an engine, a substantially vertically extending rotatable shaft housing depending from said engine concentrically through said circular exhaust manifold, a driven shaft extending through said rotatable shaft housing and operated by said engine, propulsion mean op- 7 eiated by said shaft, and means for adjusting said rotatable shaft housing and propulsion means associated therewith, through an angular path of substantially 360.

8. A motor unit for motor boats comprising an engine, a rotatable shaft housing depending from said engine, a shaft extending through said rotatable shaft housing and driven by said engine, propulsion means operated by said shaft, an exhaust manifold serving as a support for said engine and surrounding said rotatable shaft hous ing, said exhaust manifold including a pair of plate members associated with said rotatable shaft housing, an annular frame for which said plate members constitute end closures, a sealing ring between said frame and one of said plate members at one end of said frame, and spring means within said exhaust manifold for maintaining said sealing ring in position for sealing the periphery of one of said plate members with respect to the frame of the exhaust manifold, an exhaust connection between the engine and said last mentioned plate member leading into said exhaust manifold, a discharge connection leading out of said frame structure, whereby, said. rotatable shaft housing is free to be revolved within said exhaust manifold While exhaust gases are dis charged therethrough.

9. In a motor boat, a hull structure, a motor unit supportable in either inboard or outboard arrangement with respect to said hull structure, said. motor unit including an engine, a rotatable shaft housing extending from said engine in a substantially vertical axis, a driven shaft extending through said rotatable shaft housing, propulsion mechanism operated by said driven shaft, an exhaust manifold disposed in a substantially horizontal plane encircling said rotatable shaft housing and serving to support said moto unit with respect to said hull structure, an exhaust connection between said engine and said exhaust manifold, an exhaust discharge connection between said exhaust manifold and a position beneath the hull structure, and a coupling unit interposed in said last mentioned exhaust discharge connection and connected at one end to an air supply connection external to said. hull structure and at the other end to the pressure area beneath said hull structure adjacent said propulsion mechanism, whereby, the pressure developed through said exhaust discharge connection and through said connection to said propulsion area continuously draw air from said air supply connection for delivery beneath said hull structure continuously during the operation of said engine.

10. In a motor boat, a hull structure, a frame carried by said hull structure, a motor unit projecting through said frame including an engine, a rotatable shaft housing depending through said frame on a substantially vertical axis, a shaft extending through said shaft housing and driven by said engine, propeller means external to sai hull structure and operated by said driven shaft, an exhaust manifold supported b said frame and encircling said rotatable shaft housing in a substantially horizontal plane and having an exhaust (iii connection with said engine, an exhaust discharge connection leading from said exhaust manifold to a discharge position beneath said hull tructure, sealing means carried by said frame and journaling said rotatable shaft housing, and means for orientating said rotatable shaft housing through a range of substantially 360.

11. In a motor boat, a hull structure, an outboard motor for operation with respect to said hull structure, said outboard motor including an engine, a rotatable shaft housing, a shaft extending through said housing and driven by said engine, propulsion means operated by said shaft an exhaust manifold encircling said shaft housing and a bracket for mounting said rotatable shaft housing with respect to said hull structure, said bracket including a pair of bar members for slidably supporting a pair of transverse members, said transverse members embracing said rotatable shaft housing, and means carried by said rotatable shaft housing and interengaging said transverse members for rotatably journaling said rotatable shaft housing with respect to said hull structure for orientation through substantially 380.

12. In a motor boat, a hull structure, an outboard motor unit including an engine, a rotatable shaft housing depending therefrom, a driven shaft operated by said engine and extending through said rotatable shaft housing, a propeller mechanism operated by said shaft, an exhaust manifold encircling said shaft housing a bracket car ried. b said hull structure and having arms extending on opposite sides of said rotatable shafthousing, a pair of transversely extending members selectively adjustable on said arms, said transversely extending members each having a central semicircular portion embracing said rotatable shaft housing, the interior faces of each of said central semicircular portions being annu-.

larly grooved and a flange carried by said rotatable shaft housing and projectable into the groove in said central semicircular portions, whereby, said rotatable shaft housing may be orientated through substantially 360 with respect to said hull structure.

RENWICK J. SHARP.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 979,633 .Aaron Dec. 27, 1910 1,407,659 Kemp Feb. 21, 1922 1,473,484 Lencl; Nov. 6, 1923 1,824,877 Harvey Sept. 29', 1931 1,895,696 Witke Jan. 31, 1933 2,086,593 \Vood July 13, 1937 2,139,831 Langstaif Dec. 13, 1938 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 763,698 France Feb. 19, 1934 

